Watch Technology Institute AAS - 805A
Requirements EffectiveSummer 2015
Program Planning Guide

Program Description:The Watch Technology Institute curriculum covers both the practical and theoretical aspects of watchmaking, taught primarily in the lab environment. The program is organized into a series of topical units:

  • Micromechanics:Watchmaking begins with learning about metals and metal working techniques; here you develop manual dexterity and learn safe use of tools, solvents and machinery.
  • Basic watch:During this phase of the training you learn the basic functions and adjustments of mechanical watches as well as case and bracelet refinishing.
  • Advanced watch:This period of study emphasizes various “watch complications,” such as calendar, automatic and chronograph mechanisms. Students also work on customer repairs.
  • Certification:Upon successful completion/passage of all SAWTA (Swiss American Watchmaker’s Training Alliance) exams and the AWCI (American Watchmakers & Clockmakers Institute) CW21 exam students earn a SAWTA certificate and a CW21 certificate.

Prerequisites: Many classes have prerequisites. Prerequisites are those classes that prove eligibility for entry-level classes by testing or by having satisfied prior course work. Course work earned at other institutions must be unofficially evaluated or approved by a program advisor before registering. Courses in this degree with pre-requisites are marked with an asterisk (*). See catalog for more information.

Watch Technology Prerequisites: High school graduation or GED.

Students must apply to the Watch Technology Institute and pass aptitude tests prior to being admitted to the program. The first of the aptitude tests is administered online. Applicants that pass the first test are invited to come to our North Seattle College Watch Technology classrooms to complete the remainder of the tests. There are three written general knowledge exercises and three hands on exercises that do not require any previous watch knowledge to complete successfully.

Program Contact: Watch Technology Institute: Phone: (206) 934-0169, Email:

Note: Advanced placement testing, work experience, and transfer of credits may result in course waivers, credit transfer, and advanced placement.

Program Requirements
Course Number / General Education/Related Instruction Requirements (20 credits) / Credit Hours
ENGL&101 / ENGL&101 or any 100-level English or CMST Course* / 5
ACCT 110 / ACCT 110 or other college-level math / 5
BUS 236 / BUS 236or other approved Human Relations course / 5
Five credits must be selected from an approved list of US Culture or Global Studies courses. / 5
Course Number / Degree Requirements (164 credits)
HIN 111 / Watch Technology I:Introduction to Watch Technology / 6
HIN 112 / Watch Technology I:Tools, Equipment & Measurement / 6
HIN 113 / Watch Technology I: Practicum / 10
HIN 121 / Watch Technology II:Professional Knowledge / 6
HIN 122 / Watch Technology II: The Watchmaker’s Lathe / 6
HIN 123 / Watch Technology II: Practicum / 10
HIN 131 / Watch Technology III: Winding & Setting Mechanisms / 6
HIN 132 / Watch Technology III: Watch Gear Trains / 6
HIN 133 / Watch Technology III: Practicum / 10
HIN 141 / Watch Technology IV: Escapements / 4
HIN 142 / Watch Technology IV: External Parts / 4
HIN 143 / Watch Technology IV: Practicum / 8
HIN 211 / Watch Technology V: Introduction to Precision Timing / 6
HIN 212 / Watch Technology V:Introduction to Electric Watches / 6
HIN 213 / Watch Technology V: Practicum / 10
HIN 221 / Watch Technology VI: Precision Timing 2 / 6
HIN 222 / Watch Technology VI: Automatic Watches / 6
HIN 223 / Watch Technology VI: Practicum / 10
HIN 231 / Watch Technology VII: Advanced Precision Timing / 6
HIN 232 / Watch Technology VII: Chronographs / 6
HIN 233 / Watch Technology VII: Practicum / 10
HIN 241 / Watch Technology VIII: After-Sales Service / 4
HIN 242 / Watch Technology VIII: Review of Courses / 4
HIN 243 / Watch Technology VIII: Practicum / 8
Total Credits: 184
(excluding pre-requisites)

Program Outcomes:

  1. Competently service mechanical, electronic, and chronographic watches and perform case and bracelet repair and refinishing
  2. Use comprehensive product knowledge to make informed judgments and recommendations regarding watch repair and service.
  3. Thoroughly assess the scope of incoming work, accurately estimate repair time and costs, and clearly communicate this information to customers.
  4. Find and use resources pertinent to watch repair and service.
  5. Read and understand technical drawings related to watch repair and service.
  6. Effectively use measuring devices related to watch repair and service.
  7. Safely and effectively use and maintain appropriate tools and chemicals.
  8. Practice professional work habits: (a) maintain a clean and orderly workspace; (b) exhibit a systematic approach to watch repair and service, and (c) maintain accurate and accessible records.

What Skills do I need to be successful in this field?

In addition to technical skills, watch repair is a customer service profession and watchmakers need the skills necessary to communicate with customers, with parts suppliers and with the industry.

What are some potential job titles?

  • Watchmakers
  • Watch repairer
  • Head watchmaker
  • Watchmaking manager
  • Watch Repair Instructor

Wages, employment trends and pathways

RequiredCourse Sequence:

1st quarter: HIN 111, HIN 112, HIN 113

2nd quarter: HIN 121, HIN 122, HIN 123

3rd quarter: HIN 131, HIN 132, HIN 133

4th quarter: HIN 141, HIN 142, HIN 143

5th quarter: HIN 211, HIN 212, HIN 213

6th quarter: HIN 221, HIN 222, HIN 223

7th quarter:HIN 231, HIN 232, HIN 233

8th quarter:HIN 241, HIN 242, HIN 243

Any Quarter:ACCT110, ENGL&101, BUS236,Global Studies or US Cultures elective

Program Contact: Watch Technology Institute: Phone: (206) 934-0169, Email:

Website: